Kirby Remains On Center Stage

David Teel

CHARLOTTESVILLE — Terry Kirby did what 19-year-olds are supposed to do this summer. He spent two weeks at the beach with his buddies.

"It was my first vacation in four years," Kirby said with a smile and a touch of regret.

Any previous vacation notions were nixed by Kirby's full-time job as the nation's most-coveted high school athlete. If he wasn't playing in a basketball tournament in Las Vegas, Kirby was talking to a football recruiter on the phone. If he wasn't lifting weights, Kirby was answering questions from another reporter.

Nags Head would have to wait.

But graduation from Tabb High School, enrollment at the University of Virginia and two carefree weeks in the sun didn't change the basic premise that has surrounded Terry Kirby since he was an 8th-grader: He is the center of attention.

And, as we should know by now, Kirby absorbs the spotlight with a deftness that would make most politicians envious.

At least three dozen reporters encircled Kirby during Virginia's football press day Wednesday. A handful of kids stood on the perimeter, waiting to obtain the signature of a tailback who has yet to gain a yard in college.

A few yards away, Shawn Moore fielded questions from two reporters. Moore is the Atlantic Coast Conference's top returning quarterback. Offensive lineman Roy Brown, all-conference last season, went unnoticed.

Meanwhile, Terry Kirby chatted away. He entertained, recalling the first phone call he ever received from a college coach.

"I was in the 8th grade, and Lefty Driesell called," said Kirby, who also will play basketball at Virginia. "I thought it was a joke at first. I thought, `I'm in the 8th grade. What's he calling me for?'"

More serious questions prompted humble responses.

"I just want to be another player," Kirby said. "I don't want anything special because of what I did in high school. These are men. I'm just 19."

The kid has the men's attention.

During the Cavaliers' first full team meeting, the rookies were asked to introduce themselves. When Kirby's turn came, many of the players stood, raised their arms and bowed in mock reverence.

The tone will be more serious on the practice field, especially from incumbent tailbacks Marcus Wilson and Nikki Fisher.

"I just want to see if he can play," Wilson said.

Rest assured, Wilson knows Kirby can play.

So does Fisher. His career at Martinsville High ended when a junior named Kirby ran for more than 200 yards in a state playoff game won by Tabb. On that day, Fisher said that he was honored to be on the same field with Kirby.

Wednesday, Fisher said, "We'll just have to see what Kirby can do."

What can Kirby do? The Cavaliers' opener is Aug. 31 in the Kickoff Classic against defending national champion Notre Dame. Nine days later comes a game at Penn State.

There have been easier transitions.

Head Coach George Welsh will make it easier. Since his arrival at Virginia in 1982, true freshmen have been off-limits to the media except on press day and after games. That policy won't be a hit with New York's vulture-like media crowd, but don't expect Welsh to bend.

"I'm sure he'll learn he doesn't have to be Miracle Man," Welsh said. "After everybody leaves today, he can be incommunicado for the next two weeks."

Nor is Welsh likely to burden Kirby with an early-season starting assignment. Unless Wilson and Fisher are injured, Kirby figures to be worked in gradually. But he'll play, no question.

"Everyone already expects him to rush for 100 yards against Notre Dame," said Chris Slade, Kirby's best friend from high school and a freshman defensive end at Virginia. "I think he'll be nervous starting off, but if the line blocks, Terry can run against anyone in the country. He's determined. He'll get it done sooner or later. ... Terry always has been able to handle the attention. He's very mature."

Wayne Kirby, Terry's dad and an interested spectator Wednesday, had a better assessment.

"He's no better than any ordinary son," Wayne said. "But he does have a gift, from the Lord."

With that gift, Terry Kirby wants to pursue a football career, basketball career and math degree.